SamG

I'm looking to buy an aluminum open trailer to haul my GT3RS. Being in California I'm not finding any used Trailex trailers which I think would be my first choice.

Anyone have any experience with either ATC or Sundowner brand trailers? They are about the only ones I can find within a 100 mile radius of my location. The Sundowner is local to me and appears to of very nice quality construction but what worries me is that it does not have a dove tail like the ATC trailer. Both have 7' ramps. The Sundowner has a removable fender, the ATC does not but I've measured and the door will open with no problem, which sounds like a better deal since I would not need to fool with removing it to exit the car. Both have 3500lb axles with electric brakes and 15" wheels.

Should I get a stone guard?

Matt Romanowski

ATC makes a very nice trailer. No question - get the stone guard regardless of what trailer you choose.

brownan

I've got the ATC open and formerly had a Trailex 8045. Personally I prefer the ATC. Fully welded construction, has the solid deck and lots of small nice features such as steps in front/rear of the fenders. The positioning of the D rings wasn't optimal so I got some track from Mac's and had it welded to the deck. Works great. Weighs a few hundred more than the Trailex but overall I think a more robust product for equivalent price.

SamG

Thanks for that information. I haven't seen the ATC in person yet. Did you get an 18' trailer? Is the approach angle low enough or do you need ramp extensions?

GT3 Jockey

Futuratrailers.com
I just got one and I love it.

jlanka

I saw this trailer at Lime Rock. If I was looking for an open trailer, this is the one I would get.

Paul Solk

Saw this at NJMP, if I was in the market I would give this a serious look. Beautiful!!

skxf430

Do you have front end lift on your RS. It might clear if you have a beavertail on your trailer along with ramps that are at least 6' long and 15" trailer tires.

My friend has a Trailex and it just clears.

SamG

Yes I looked at those online, very nice but more than I want to spend on an open trailer

Yes I have front end lift and it comes with 7' ramps so I think it should load OK. I don't think the Sundowner without the beavertail would work for this car.

Matt Romanowski

I saw one at Palmer and it looked very nice, though the owner (you?) was having trouble getting one of the axles to lock back into place. I thought it was probably from flexing, but didn't see them before they left.

mrsullivan

I compared both brands and chose sundowner. I think for somebody with an unlimited budget, ATC is probably the better route. I'm not convinced they are as well-made as the sundowner at the same price points. Meaning, I had to really load up the ATC to get to sundowners base level of quality in terms of materials used. This was for an enclosed trailer so different comparison, but I suspect same with open. Sundowner used heavier aluminum skin, same size spread axles, larger wheels, aluminum (not rubber) flooring, heavier D rings, list goes on. They have a long history with horses. Newer to cars. Not ATC bashing, I think they are the best, if you can afford to pay extra for some of these things.

GT3 Jockey

So yes there are four safety latches that need to pop into place. The problem is if the trailer in on uneven ground i.e. Dirt at Palmer once the first one latches the winch stops. This is a built in safety mechanism so then you have to move the trailer until it's level and try to raise it again.

Matt Romanowski

That's what we figured. I didn't catch back up to the person to see if moving it would get them all to lock.

ohenryinatlanta

there was a sundowner at the track yesterday i looked it over....

i'd say it is on par with any of the better made example. nice welding work.